On DACA: A Message to the Campus Community

With the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA) being rescinded, I
would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm my unwavering support of the DREAM
Act and of DACA, and that I continue to be passionate about these highly successful
programs.
It is my hope that Congress will act to ensure that DACA remains in effect.

It is important to reiterate that at Stony Brook University, we do not request or
require immigration status as part of the admissions process, nor is immigration status
a factor in student housing decisions. We do not share private information; once a
student is enrolled we protect student confidentiality in line with federal and state
law; and, our University Police Department does not inquire into nor record the immigration
status of students or other persons unless they have been arrested. Also, it is important
for us to understand that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policy characterizes
colleges and universities as "
sensitive locations" — places where enforcement actions should not occur outside of extraordinary circumstances.
It is critical for the University to remain a place where free exchange of ideas is
safeguarded but done in a way that respects our differences.

We have seen how the recipients of DACA have a positive impact on our campus and broader
community. Diversity of perspectives, thought and understanding serves as a foundation
of Stony Brook’s academic enterprise and helps our students become global citizens.
Let’s do what's right, and unite to support our 'dreamers' together.